Synagague will serve Jewish population in south Santa Clara and
San Benito
After more than 30 years, the Jewish community of south Santa
Clara and San Benito counties has a permanent home.
Congregation Emeth today opens the first Jewish synagogue in the
region with ceremonies and worship. The synagogue is located at
17835 Monterey St. in Morgan Hill, in a historic church building
that recently underwent renovations that included a sign announcing
the congregation’s home.
Synagague will serve Jewish population in south Santa Clara and San Benito
After more than 30 years, the Jewish community of south Santa Clara and San Benito counties has a permanent home.
Congregation Emeth today opens the first Jewish synagogue in the region with ceremonies and worship. The synagogue is located at 17835 Monterey St. in Morgan Hill, in a historic church building that recently underwent renovations that included a sign announcing the congregation’s home.
“Congregation Emeth’s priority is on community, including both our synagogue membership as well as the community in which we live,” said Rabbi Debbie Israel, the congregation’s spiritual leader. “We have a high level of participation in the religious, social, volunteer and communal life of the temple, and this new holy space is the result of our members’ dedication to each other and our higher spiritual purpose.”
Congregation Emeth was established more than 30 years ago as the area’s first Jewish congregation. The church originally was comprised of 12 families, and services were originally held in members’ homes. The congregation quickly grew to about 30 families, with a full program of services and education. Until now, members met in rented space at local schools and churches.
The purchase of the Morgan Hill building was funded through bonds offered by congregation members who used their personal IRAs and other means.
“With this new permanent home, we hope to welcome into our temple anyone with an interest in Judaism,” Israel said. “The physical structure opens the door to additional sacred possibilities, and for that we are especially grateful.”
“Having our own synagogue after 31 years of using a variety of other facilities is a dream realized,” said Michael Oshan, president of the congregation. “We now have a tangible, physical presence that gives our group a permanent place in the community. The Jewish community of the South Valley now has a central meeting place where all Jews are welcome and interfaith activities will be encouraged. We expect our Jewish community to grow as we welcome all denominations of Jews to celebrate the rich heritage and religion of our people.”
Today’s events begin at 5 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. At 7:15 p.m., Congregation Torahs will be ceremonially escorted to the sanctuary. Shabbat services and dedication will begin at 7:45 p.m.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, a celebration dinner, Havdalah, music and dancing are planned. Cost is $30 per person.
Sunday from noon-3 p.m. an open house will offer tours of the facility, refreshments and short programs. Prospective members are especially welcome.
Further information is available at www.emeth.net.
